Well it's official, long gone are the minus 7 sunday club runs, the icy roads that put many a good rider on the road: summer is well on its way. As I perused the winter cycling wardrobe, it would appear a shopping trip is on the cards. Still at 8.20 Gareth, Chris (Parkes) and myself made our way to Harley Hall.
After an uneventful trip, we were soon joined by Russell, Gary, Snoop Doug, Gilbert, Chris(Selley), Big Dave, Jaybee, Stuart, Catherine and Tony (Brunton). Gareth suggested that our route should take in the road race out towards Winslow, so a roundabout route was agreed and off we set. Gareth relinquished his 'on the front ripping the legs off of everyone' duties and instead opted to be our coach. He soon had us neatly in pairs proceeding in an orderly fashion and at one point it almost looked quite professional.
I did say "almost" professional as we had agreed to a tea stop at Winslow, but only Gilbert was sure of the roundabout route, soon the front runners were taking every sign that had the merest hint of Winslow on it. To end the confusion we agreed upon Whadesdon Manor garden centre, a few miles from which Chris Selley punctured. After waiting for Chris to rip the valve off his new tube (easily done mate), Gilbert, Big Dave, Chris (Parkes) Stuart and myself, decide to make a recon group, to bag all the best cakes. Arriving a few minutes before the rest and only after using the crossing to get out at Whaddesdon junction, the café was secured and awaiting the masses.
After a very enjoyable 20 minutes a plan to intercept the race was formulated and off we set. Gareth once again organised us into a very regimented 2 by 2 (hoorah) formation and it wasn't long before this finely oiled machine was pulled over at the side of the road awaiting the race. The three front runners had 45 seconds on the bunch, by the time they passed and the bunch managed to take up most of the road. We also had chance to witness this specticle once more as we waited at the bottom of Winslow hill. Once on our way the pace hotted up, spurred on be the road race and we were soon averaging in the low 20's on our way to MK. Towards Drayton Parslow, Gilbert slipped off the font of the bunch, gareth thinking he was going for the village sign crept up behind him. However he failed to notice me sitting on his back wheel and a quick turn of the pedals later it was all over.
I returned home with a quick 55 miles on the clock at a 16.5 mph average and the though of not a man left behind, well done lads.
Don't forget the TT on wednesday, lets hope the wind from last week has died and more of the same for next Sunday, until then.....